I have 4 rows of garlic, al different varieties. I noticed today that my "Illico" has curled over shoots- are these a sign that it's about to bolt? If so, should I cut these shoots off?
No you don't need to...in some varieties if taken off, the actual bulb will become slightly larger as the 'flower' head is not competing..they do not actually flower..but will produce small bulbils..like miniature bulbs..
While the shoot is still young and tender (that's before it has curled down) you can snap it off and use it for eating..
I've never bothered to remove the heads unless for eating..and I cannot say that by leaving them it would have affected for the size of my bulb..so why don't you do little trial..remove them from half of them and leave other half on..then you know if it will make any noticeable difference for your garlic variety... ;)
Thanks, I'll do that!